Porsche to debut lighter version of Panamera at 2016 Paris Motor show

Automotive News Europe, citing sources from Porsche, reported that the company is set to debut its Panamera sporty sedan during the 2016 Paris auto show on September 29. This second-generation Panamera is mainly based on the Volkswagen Group's MSB platform which is not only more fuel efficient but lighter as well. It is projected to highlight models from Lamborghini, Bugatti and Bentley.

The new Panamera is the second major product from the company to be revamped with the first one being the mid-engine 718 Boxster/Cayman line-up. After its official debut, it will then immediately go on sale in the Europe market. Sales at its two biggest single markets, the U.S. and China, will begin by 2017.

Among the company’s five model lines sold in the previous year, the Panamera was its poorest-selling. Worldwide sales for example totaled 17,207 units, a 31% drop. This was worse even when compared to the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, combined.

So far the best sales year for the Panamera was back in 2012 with a reported 29,030 units sold. Still, this model has proven itself to be popular in China where a number of customers preferred the roominess offered by this four-door sedan, something that was not in the 911 sports car.

When the first-generation Panamera was launched seven years ago, the company chose Shanghai to be the setting of an exclusive event in Shanghai’s very own World Financial Center skyscraper. To increase the demand in the Europe market, the company hopes to add a Shooting Brake version that offers a shape more similar to a station wagon.

With this extra functionality, Porsche expects that it will appeal more to European consumers who prefer wagons mainly due to their having better handling. For Germany, the Panamera sedan is priced at 83,277 euros, including VAT. Different variants will be offered like a plug-in hybrid and a four-wheel drive. Even Turbo and GTS versions are expected though the price can go as high as, and even exceed, 180,000 euros.

When asked, a spokesperson from Porsche did not comment on the next-generation Panamera or the availability of other body styles. The same person however did confirm that a prototype of the Panamera Shooting Brake was in development.

History

When the first-generation Panamera was first launched, it brought five state-of-the-art technologies to the industry. Technologies never before offered in the luxury performance class.

The first is the double-clutch gearbox, the first ever to be introduced by the Gran Turismo to this segment. The second innovation is the adaptive air suspension that offers on-demand additional volume for each of its springs with the third being the start-stop system that works with the automatic transmission. Active aerodynamics is another innovation and this is possible due to the rear spoiler that automatically moves up in order to adjust the angle of the air flow.

Finally there is the Sport Chrono Package that by simply pressing a button allows the engine, transmission, suspension, and the other parts to have a more dynamic and sporting set-up. The Launch Control in particular, when working with the PDK, allows for the fastest ever acceleration from rest. Innovation is not the only thing the Panamera is offering as the different models also manage to set new benchmarks when it comes to efficiency for this luxury performance segment.

All models are equipped with low-friction drive systems and Direct Fuel Injection. They are even lightweight as the Panamera Turbo, the line’s top version, does not even reach 2,000 kilos, which is around 4,410 lb (DIN norm). This is interesting, considering that it has numerous standard features equipped. To further reduce the already low fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions, Panamera variants that come with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe are equipped with the Auto Start-Stop function.

This particular feature allows the engine to be switched off immediately once the vehicle is a standstill like at a traffic light or when pressing on the brake pedal during a traffic jam. Once the brake pedal is let go, the system starts the engine again.

The end result is that it lowers the fuel consumption to a significant level especially while driving in city traffic. In addition to these already amazing features, the Panamera has a different configuration for its suspension as it manages to combine superior comfort with a sporting performance. This makes it ahead of any other car in the same class.

While it does have the usual steel suspension, Porsche is offering its latest adaptive air suspension that allows additional air volume for each spring to the Panamera S and the Panamera 4S, though it is standard equipment in the Panamera Turbo.

Combined with the PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management, the two suspension systems allow for variation in the damper forces. Its adaptive air suspension allows for a wider range when it comes to suspension characteristics as it improves the driving comfort and enhances the sporting driving dynamics. Customers will also be given the option to have the PDCC Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control for their Panamera.

What this does is to compensate for the body roll during bends while enhancing its behaviour and smoothness when driving straight on bumpy roads. As a result, the PDCC makes sure that the Panamera continues to have that agility regardless of the speed and provides for a smooth balance and steering behaviour even when under load change.

Since the electronically controlled rear axle differential already helps give enhanced agility and greater traction, combining this with the PDCC results in a higher standard for both motoring comfort and driving dynamics.